Grit bin

Anyone may use a grit bin to clear a public path or road, though they are generally not intended for personal use.[1] Typically, a spade or shovel is used to spread a thin layer of grit onto the road surface, covering any snow or ice. The salt lowers the melting point of the snow causing it to melt (see sodium chloride). The grit component improves the friction between a vehicle's tires and the road.

Some grit bins have a small compartment, which could be used for storing a spade or shovel. The one featured in the photograph at the top of the page is filled through the top hatch.

In Sweden, the bins contain mainly sand and sometimes sand mixed with salt. The construction and appearance of the bins are similar to bins in other countries.[2][3]

A prefab concrete bin that has been replaced by a plastic one

Grit bins were originally made of concrete, wood or even stone, though these are now increasingly being replaced by models constructed from plastic partly from safety concerns: vehicles/people hitting a plastic grit bin will suffer less damage. However, the lower weight of plastic makes grit bins easier to steal or tip over.

German grit bin.

Grit bins can be subjected to vandalism, such as arson. The lid can also be left open, leaving rain to wash away the salt in the mixture, rendering it useless. In the United Kingdom, the local county council is usually responsible for maintaining and refilling grit bins.[4]

In Norway, the problem with tipping grit bins over have been solved by making them large enough to hold about 500 kg (1,100 lb) of grit, and to continually keep it topped up.